Agricultural/Bioengineering Post-Harvest Technology

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of grain drying in post-harvest management?

Accepted Answer

Reduce moisture to safe storage levels and prevent spoilage

Answer

Increase grain protein content

Answer

Improve grain color for marketing

Answer

Speed up germination during planting

Question 2

Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of grain is defined as the moisture level at which:

Accepted Answer

Grain neither gains nor loses moisture to the surrounding air

Answer

Grain absorbs maximum water

Answer

All grain pathogens are eliminated

Answer

Drying airflow reaches its peak

Question 3

Which type of grain dryer passes heated air upward through a moving grain column?

Accepted Answer

Cross-flow dryer

Answer

Bin dryer

Answer

Concurrent-flow dryer

Answer

Counter-flow dryer

Question 4

Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage of fresh fruits and vegetables involves modifying which gases?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen and carbon dioxide

Answer

Nitrogen and hydrogen

Answer

Ethylene and sulfur dioxide

Answer

Methane and water vapor

Question 5

The process by which fresh produce continues to consume oxygen and release CO₂ after harvest is called:

Accepted Answer

Respiration

Answer

Transpiration

Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Translocation

Question 6

Heat of respiration from stored grain is a concern because it can cause:

Accepted Answer

Hotspots that accelerate mold growth and grain deterioration

Answer

Increased protein synthesis

Answer

Reduction in grain density

Answer

Improved milling quality